Scientific inquiry

Learning objectives

Students should be able to:

• list the requirements of a well-crafted hypothesis
• formulate a well-crafted research question and hypothesis based on an observation
• describe the differences between a manipulative experiment and an observational study
• identify independent and dependent variables in an experimental or observational study
• identify experimental and control treatments in an experimental study
• identify natural “experimental” and “control” treatments in an observational study

Resources

• Slides 01. Scientific inquiry
• Milroy p 3-16 Ch 1: The foundations of scientific inquiry (slides and learning objectives are largely based on this chapter)
• Papers that go into greater depth on observational vs. experimental ecology (optional)
  • Sagarin & Pauchard 2010: Observational approaches in ecology open new ground in a changing world
  • Wootton & Pfister 1998: The motivation for and context of experiments in ecology

Lesson plan

1. Introductions

• Share name & preferred pronouns, major(s)/minor(s), something fun or interesting you did this summer.
• In groups: What is field research? Why do we do it? What are your research interests and why?

2. Course logistics

• Course website url:https://mrne392.github.io/website/. Bookmark this link - it has everything you need for the class.
• The syllabus contains information on assessment and class policies.
• The schedule is our master organizer. All assignments, slides, lab exercises, etc. are linked here by date.

3. Intro to field research and scientific inquiry